Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1

Only thing I can say about this drama is that it is a masterpiece. I enjoyed every single bit of it from episode 1 till the end. Our 2 leads had so so much chemistry. Not only that, they also look so good together. Zhao Lu Si did an amazing job portraying Cheng ShaoShang-bringing her character to life and allowing the audience to empathize with her every step of the way. Wu Lei did an equally amazing job as well. I adored his strong and bold character but loved his soft and loyal heart. The way he loves and care for Cheng Shao Shang was truly impeccable. And then his care for her family was another thing I adored. I expected the king in this drama to be evil and greedy like all other dramas but he wasn't. He was so loving, kind, and caring and so was his queen who treated Cheng Shao Shang like her own daughter when Shao Shang actual mother did not do her part. I honestly cannot find anything bad to say about this drama. I love every single thing about this drama from the plot to the characters.

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Slowburn romance

First off, this show has 2 parts to it which totals up to 56 episodes.. which you can already tell there will be a lot more things to tell in this show. BUT, in this first part of the show I felt that everything was progressing very slowly which makes it hard for me to be very invested (esp the romance). First part of show revolve mainly on FL's story and for us to understand her character (why she acted like that, her perspective of love and family, etc.) which was very done in my opinion. It's not sloppy and even in her first engagement with Lou Yao - i can tell that she wants to escape her family and a husband that does not restrict what she does. All these don't need words to explain but was already well shown in the first part of it.

However, as mentioned above, the romance between FL and ML is very slow and they have very little scenes together (almost all the scenes the ML appeared is to save FL).. not to mention their lines with each other adds up to less than 10. Even up till the last ep of P1, i still don't think she likes ML/appreciates what he does for her. Nonetheless, both FL and ML have great chemistry together. Also, there are almost no emphasis on ML's character and story too which I felt like could be shown more. Like we spent more almost half of the show seeing FL and her story but doesn't know anything about ML.. this part doesn't make sense to me, also if they were going to show his revenge or whatsoever in the later part shouldn't such development begins from here?

So far the show is still good, cinematic is very pretty and it makes u want to continue watching but maybe because the progress is so slow, the wait is less satisfying when u watch. I do hope to see more of both ML and FL's character growth in the second part. And I also hope they will not rush the ending where the last few episodes end messily.

FINAL VERDICT for P1, not a show to waste ur late nights for but if u are gonna binge watch then best to watch when both parts are out!

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Review for Part 1 @ 2

This drama is a GREAT historical production that should not have been titled “Love Like The Galaxy” because their love was not only slow burned, but also full of secrets, lack of confidence, misunderstandings, and, the most tedious part of this drama, Shao Shang’s cold attitude and distrust toward Zi Sheng. How a great love cannot understand Zi Sheng’s emotional pain, turmoil, and commitment?
Having said that, Zhao Lusi (Shao Shang) and Leo Wu (Zi Sheng) did an excellent job portraying their characters and, although their romantic chemistry was not very amorous, the best intimate interaction in the whole drama happened without an unnecessary awkward kiss in episode 36, really beautiful and heartwarming! The rest of the cast also did a wonderful job bringing their characters to life.
This drama is heavy on revenge plots, palace antics, familial interactions, truehearted friendship, occasional comedic scenes to lighten the darker tones, great action scenes, and amazing cinematography and music.
Overall, this is a magnificent drama that is worth watching. Enjoy it!

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Masterpiece for you and a trash for me

No offense but my mother fell asleep watching this and I kept watching for Lusi and Li Yunrui only I started watching this because of the good reviews but Goddd it's so boring I found Long Ballad, Blossom and Who Rules The World, Hidden Love, Romance Of Tiger And Rose wayy better.. Sorry but this drama didn't interest me too much shouting and headache stuffs filled with filler story lines. Couldn't get past episode 4. I will just rewatch Blossom instead to see Li Yunrui.
"Honestly, I was really looking forward to watching 'Love Like the Galaxy' after seeing all the good reviews, but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I think the pacing was a bit off, and the storyline felt like it was dragging in some places. I also found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional at times, which made it hard for me to really connect with them.

I've watched some other Chinese dramas recently that I really enjoyed, like 'Long Ballad', 'Blossom', 'Who Rules The World', 'Hidden Love', and 'Romance Of Tiger And Rose'. These shows had more compelling storylines and characters that I could root for.

Maybe it's just me, but I found 'Love Like the Galaxy' to be a bit too slow and overhyped. I'd rather rewatch 'Blossom' again to see Li Yunrui's amazing acting 😊. Has anyone else had a similar experience with this drama 👀👀?"

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Beautiful Family Drama

Much of this drama focuses on Cheng Shaoshang as she attempts to navigate her future without compromising her ideals or passions. Zhao Lusi’s performance once again establishes her ability to display a multifaceted character with tons of layers. She was utterly transformative as Shaoshang transitioned from uncouth youth to reserved royalty. Shaoshang is very much defined by her interactions with others. Probably the most interesting relationships outside of her romances is her connection to her mother and the Empress. In one, she finds antagonism and disproval; in another unconditional love and support. That’s not to say both don’t love her, but her relationships are so complex as they encounter her at different stages in her life. I love this detailed look at the many ways family, both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose, make a person change and adapt in extraordinary ways.

I thought the show would focus more on the romance, but it truly does not start between the leads until the second half of the series. The first half certainly does an excellent job setting up their future, particularly Ling Buyi’s growing interest and love for Shaoshang. Leo Wu, who plays Ling Buyi, truly has a talent for showing so many emotions with just a glance. Since much of his performance is austere and ridged, his eyes had to do a lot of heavy lifting. He and Lusi had so much tension and chemistry as Buyi and Shaoshang. Once their romance blossoms, it’s hard to look away. That said, I also enjoyed the other short romances she has with Yuan Shen and Lou Yao. While they hold no candle to Buyii, I could certainly see the different facets brought out of her by their characters.

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Legit will make you a madman by the amount of tears you shed and the amount of laughs you made.

Love Like Galaxy
This series is just one hell of a masterpiece. Legit will hook you till the end. This drama made me laugh, cry, and swoon and just made me feel so much emotion. The acting and the way the plot was written are just top-notch. Shout-out to the writers, they really did a fantastic job. Also, I love the way the action scenes are executed. Like I've seen some cdramas with obvious CGI, so this one's are such a treat for my eyes. I love the good old physical action scenes with gore stuff, hehehe.

I legit never skipped an episode because there's no over the top draggy arc. I'm really fussy when I watch a series, I tend to just usually skim through some scenes if I find them redundant and draggy to the obvious point of just making the series longer. However, with this one, the love story of the main lead is perfectly written and interlaced with all the happenings of the series. There's no all of a sudden sub-plot out of nowhere. The disappearance and reappearance of characters are justified, and their thoughts that lead them to do certain actions are perfectly executed, too.

Trust me with this, all of the actors are phenomenal. They gave one hell of justice to the characters they portrayed. Aside from the chemistry with the main couple, this drama is full of chemistry with other actors, too. It showed all sorts of love like platonic, family, love for a country, friendship, and even deep passion for achieving one's goal!

Lemme just tell you my faves pair-ups:
Qiqi and Shaoshang??? Chaotic! The 2 cutie loyal bodyguards stressing about Ling Buyi's Love Life??? Cuties, but def a massive headache, too! Yuan Shen and Ling Buyi ganging up on Lou Yao??? Chef's Kiss! EMPEROR AND THE TWO EMPRESS??? Iconic! GRANDMA CHENG AND HER BETROTHAL GIFTS??? Immaculate! Emperor stressing about Ling Buyi's love life (again)??? WILL NEVER NOT BE FUNNY!

Zhao Lusi will never fail to get me to start to watch her dramas. So far, this is my 6th series of hers. (whether or not I've watched those series from beginning to end is a discussion for another time, all I can say is I've religiously watched 4 out of 6 of her series from start to end) She's just so talented and will always have a chemistry with her co-actors. With this series, Zhao Lusi yet again delivered. She perfectly executed her role of Cheng Shaoshang. The playful and cute acting of hers will never fail to give me uwu she's just genuinely adorable. I don't find her acting as an immature kid and playful character, annoying or cringy at all. And trust me when I say she can be with anyone. Her chemistry with those 3 boys is just amazing! Damn I think she can be shipped with a wall, and I'll still swoon.

Leo Wu just captured my eye with his role in this series. Fyi, I watched him for the first time with this series, and I'm hooked. (Spoilers) The way his eyes change to a complete madman when he tortured Prince Yong and Marquis Ling are just crazy and his fighting scenes damn he hottie. I got chills watching those scenes. It gave me the anti-hero/psycho man vibe, and instead of being turned off, I actually love his character more. His character as Ling Buyi is so complex and yet well-written. I love how he stayed true to himself and was still goal-driven despite the consequences. His love for Shaoshang didn't change his aspirations, and that just didn't even disappoint me for one bit, I think it's really attractive. I love a goal driven man. (Nvm, the fact that I bawled my eyes during that cliff scene)

I super love how the love story of Shaoshang and Ling Buyi was a slow burn. Well I guess more on Niao Niao part but it actually made sense given her personality and girl even had a previous fiancee (though I think it's more platonic the way it ended scarred her still.) And damn I'm whipped for a simp man aka General Ling. I just love how he's just been there since day 1 for her??? Like when he backed out when she was already betrothed but still went out of his way to give her a comfortable life like (SPOILER) when he requested the Emperor to acknowledge Shaoshang to not be looked down on by his rival's family??? Damn son I need you in my life! And when he got his chance, he immediately grabbed it and worked his way to enter Shaoshang's heart. Boi was so patient and understanding. Never once did he use the guilt tripping card on Niao Niao to earn her affection. If not for the chubby right-hand man of his, Niao Niao would never know man's sacrifices. Although he did really make a big mistake of underestimating Shaoshang's love for him. I know he doesn't want Shaoshang and her family to suffer but our girl did try her best too, to communicate that she is willing to go to hell with him no matter what and make sacrifices too.

I think the time skip was necessary since Shaoshang needs the time to grow up and discover herself. I understand her with that decision, too. Like gurl legit builds high walls to defend her heart but Ling Buyi was persistent (I ain't complain abt that)… A lot of dramas for her to finally understand how to love and trust Ling Buyi…A lot of self-realization to finally accept that being one minded with future husband doesn't mean she's restricted of freedom…She actually grew up a lot and learned so much, she listened to all the advice about love just to be left once again when she tried her best. That's just sad knowing her background and insecurities. That's legit her childhood trauma all over again. The only difference is this time. She did her best to make him stay with her and begged not to be abandoned. So yeah, all I want to say is back off haters! Those dumb ppl who hate on my poor baby girl saying her decision to break off isn't necessary. Just don't understand her character at all.

Anyways, moving on. The comedic scenes in this series are very much appreciated and are very needed since I've started episode 1. The first few episodes got me hooked cause of Shaohang antics and the drama of her family just made me howl in laughter. It well-balanced the amount of tears I've shed when I watched how the relationship between Shaoshang and her mother started. Mommy issues just never fail to make my heartache, maybe since it strikes close to home.
Cheng grandma, General Cheng, Cheng Bros, Qiqi, 15 years old mischievous Shaoshang, Concubine Yu, and of course my ult fave the Emperor just never fails to throw me into fits of laughter.

The emperor is such a mood and will never not be funny. His bickering scenes with Concubine Yue just stole the scenes every time. Massive respect, too, for Concubine Yue. She's such a badass character and in a way similar to Shaoshang, seeing an actually contented and chill Concubine is so refreshing. Anyways, back to the emperor cause he deserves a whole novel. I just want to know his reaction to our main couple all the time. He's so invested in them more than running the country, and honestly, who can blame him??? I badly love how he just overreacts to anything related to Ling Buyi, and that's just gold since Ling Buyi deserves all the love he can get. (Spoilers) Although, I have the same sentiment as the Emperor. He deserved to be there at their wedding , but him making a whole tantrum about missing it is also such a golden moment.

The only thing I kinda wish this series explored more is showing Shaoshang's intelligence and talents and how it can actually help the new Empire they're building. And of course, I NEED A DAMN SCENE OF THEM, HAPPILY MARRIED!!! I felt so robbed with that one. Like, I don't mind that there are times that I want to nudge their head to give me a cute kiss scene, but I can guess I can still live with it. But omg, they dare not to give me a grand wedding scene! Like after all those preparations, struggles, and time wasted!!!!! Emperor, please make a decree of their wedding so you and I can witness it!!!

So yeah, I guess that's all. I don't really want to occupy the whole comment section, so all I can say is watch this masterpiece and see for yourself!
Final Verdict/Rank: Beloved Series, Ultimate Favourite (Worthy to Rewatch for nth times)

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If you like Smart FL, you would love this drama!

The first part of the drama did very well in introducing each character. The main problem of the drama was also introduced from the very beginning although problems were recurring here and there, it didn't let the plot go awry. What I really liked about this drama, it didn't revolve only around politics and war, but also highlighted how should a family function. FL was introduced as someone weak but throughout the story, she will meet and work together with cool people, one of them being the ML. I really love how Niaoniao (FL) smarted out everyone around her though it brought her to her own disaster but with her grit and endurance, she managed to save people. The unexpected love story made things really interesting for the first part, which I actually rooted for.

Overall, this drama actually intimidated me at first because I rarely finish a drama with more than 40 episodes. Turned out, this drama was quite enjoyable with its own well-written comedy and tragedy to bring each character to its development. There were a lot of annoying characters as well who would make your blood boiling from patience but, trust me, the entire show was worth the time!

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It was a very fun ride!

I am new to costume chinese drama but LLTG really makes me want to dig deeper to another costume dramas. It starts really slow for me, only until the Lantern Festival episode, the pace is slowly picking up. I am also not a fan of court politics, rarely watch Sageuk, but LLTG made me pay attention to every characters and every actions they took because I know, they will connect in future episodes. The story is woven slowly and carefully involving every characters and made me curious about the revelation of them all. Zhao Lusi is perfect as Cheng Shaoshang, the abandoned daughter of two generals, not knowing any conduct and proper manner but instead having the street knowledge, quick witted, impulsive and reckless. Her characters make her involved in the root of the story. Leo Wu is also perfect as Ling Buyi, cold, calculated, harsh general. Two of them have amazing chemistry. The buildup to the second part of the drama was perfect, giving me the signal on when's the climax.

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Worthwhile show but not great. (Part I and II review)

Firstly ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I have the patience to watch a slow burn? Yes? Are you sure? Okay then go crazy, because this show took a long time for any mutual romantic build up between the main characters and when it did....I was confused??
2. Do you suffer from second lead syndrome? Yes? Then proceed with caution.
3. Are you going to be focused on the political aspect of this show or the romantic aspect? If political, then this may or may not be your cup of tea, since the starting politics were mostly petty and the real political drama only unfolds later down.

Yap Session, (I'm just ranting)

While watching this show, I found myself focusing more on the mini plots, particularly within the palace. I especially loved the story of the Emperor, Empress and Consort Yue, it was perfection. It was so perfectly executed with the help of the characters' dynamics and their acting.
What made these mini stories special, was their interrelation with the main plot, how they influence the story no matter how minor the story. I loved how each character in the story seemed to develop with their own flaws, their mindset were very realistic, allowing you to contrast characters of seemingly different social statutes that have the same dilemma.

Another plot in this story I absolutely loved was the family plot, I loved the relationship ShaoSheng had with her family. I loved how the story portrayed how complicated a mother's love can be towards their child. For some reason, I found myself slightly rooting for ShaoSheng's mother (let me tell you why..) Shao Sheng is clearly unruly, thanks to her not learning any etiquette. Therefore, her mother tries to instill womanlike practices into her as much as she can, so that no one can look down on her for being a common general's daughter. It is clear it is her first time being around her daughter and thus, she fails to understand how to get through to her, ugh the angst...this story was a bigger tearjerker than anything else in the show especially when the empress came in to play a part into this family plot.

So I must admit, the romance between the main characters was overshadowed, and I may be biased....since to me, the romance between Ling Buyi and Chen Shao Sheng was a tad bit disappointing. The male lead was cool but I found myself struggling to love his character, he was so edgy..and I know it was for a good reason but I had a hard time accepting their relationship dynamic..and I somehow preferred the relationship between Chen Shao Sheng and Yao, I couldn't help but wish Chen Shao Sheng ended up with Yao, someone who would have given her lots of love, without putting her through hell in the slightest, it was clear to see his affection, because he knew what affection, thanks to the love he received from his mother and brother..

This is what egged me about the male lead, it's clear he does not know how to really show affection as he is not used to it, and well he tried (I cannot argue about this too much) but Shao Sheng was painted as someone who never really knew love, so I wished she got with the affectionate Yao instead.

Also, I feel like the romance between the characters only blossomed because Shao Sheng was a damsel in distress .(because she always had her nose up in grown peoples' business) You don't believe me?...count how many times Shao Sheng got in danger...and how many times Ling Buyi had to save her.

SPOILER:
I really dislike the second chance trope, especially when it is a subplot TOWARDS THE END OF THE SHOW?? make it worse, when you have invested so much hours into watching the relationship start rocky, go smoothly, then fall through...yeah this set me off badly.
No...now that I'm recalling this really made me mad, I was hoping Shao Sheng just remained single..this relationship required so much effort it was crazy.

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PROS:
I really liked how their wasn’t so many misunderstandings in this drama. It seemed like every time there was an issue it was resolved pretty quickly which was so nice for a change. My favourite parts were the story with LBY and his family secrets. I enjoyed that way more than the woman fighting constantly. The ML’s have great chemistry and their scenes are adorable. Another plus, was the relationship between the Empress and Consort Yue. I loved how there was no scheming and backstabbing between them, and how their dynamic with the emperor was. [SPOILER]
Also, loved the third prince and was so happy to know him and LBY were actually working together the whole time. I didn’t see that coming, so glad how they played that!
CONS:
The story does drag in some parts; mainly the beginning and ending. Only thing with the leads is they don’t really get together till part 2, so the first 20 something episodes can get annoying with how much focus is put on her first engagement. I didn’t like her first fiancée and found him weak and unnecessary for the plot honestly. I was counting down the episodes just waiting for him to and FML to break up.

OVERALL:
Really enjoyed this drama. Although it was 56 episodes long and it was dragging at some points, the episodes do go by pretty quickly since their only 40 mins long. If you don’t like slow paced romance, then this isn’t for you. I normally hate the slow pace, but honestly this one was bearable so I would definitely recommend giving this drama a try!

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The best Chinese period piece

After watching this series three times all the way through, I think it is one of the best period pieces I have ever scene. Zhao Lu Si makes me cry every time as her character struggles to hold onto her own values. Leo Wu is good at everything in this drama--action scenes, character depth, and ML romance scenes. The cinematography is so beautiful and well done that it is worth rewatching just to catch new views! The emperor is lovable, which is unusual for these dramas, and there is no inner palace drama between the Empress and the favorite consort. Both are extremely likeable, and that is also refreshing for a period piece. The relationships between all the characters continually evolve throughout the series in a way that leaves none of them one dimensional. I found myself hating and then loving a character or vice versa. It is a touching tale that humanizes the plight of the royal, noble, and top military families in the nation. I highly recommend this series.

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